Tactical Helmet System

ABSTRACT

A tactical helmet system for covering at least a portion of a head of a user is provided. The tactical helmet system comprises a helmet having a first side and a second side and a facemask releasably securable to the helmet. An adjustment strap having a first end and a second end is provided with both the first end and the second end secured to the facemask. The adjustment strap is extendable about the head of the user and adjustable for a snug fit against the head of the user.

The present application claims the benefit of priority of pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/815,312, filed on Apr. 24, 2013, entitled “Tactical Helmet System”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a tactical helmet system and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a tactical helmet system presenting airsoft, paintball, and training facilities with a complete, form-fitting, easily adjustable headgear package.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Airsoft is a competitive tactical game, similar to paintball, in which participants shoot round non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms. Gameplay can feature short-term skirmishes, military simulations, historical reenactments, and target shooting events. Airsoft competitors typically emulate the tactical equipment and accessories used by modern military and police organizations. As in paintball, the pellets shot from airsoft guns travel at high velocity, and can do damage to unprotected areas of the eyes, face, and head so airsoft competitors require a helmet, protective goggles, and a lower facemask. The problem, up until now, has been that the various components of this headgear have not been joined into a coherent system that fastens easily and securely, and operates comfortably in the field.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a tactical helmet system for covering at least a portion of a head of a user. The tactical helmet system comprises a helmet having a first side and a second side and a facemask releasably securable to the helmet. An adjustment strap having a first end and a second end is provided with both the first end and the second end secured to the facemask. The adjustment strap is extendable about the head of the user and adjustable for a snug fit against the head of the user.

In addition, the present invention includes a tactical helmet system for covering at least a portion of a head of a user. The tactical helmet system comprises a helmet having a first side and a second side and a facemask. A first aperture is formed in the first side of the helmet and a second aperture formed in the second side of the helmet. A first adjustable strap having a first portion and a second portion is provided with the first portion secured to the first aperture by a first anchor and the second portion secured to the facemask. A second adjustable strap having a first portion and a second portion is provided. The first portion secured to the second aperture by a second anchor, the second portion secured to the facemask. A first buckle releasably connects the first portion and the second portion of the first adjustable strap together. A second buckle releasably connects the first portion and the second portion of the second adjustable strap together. A facemask adjustment strap having a first end and a second end is provided with both the first end and the second end secured to the facemask. The adjustment strap is adjustably extendable about the head of the user and manipulatable against the head of the user for a snug fit.

The present invention further includes a method for covering at least a portion of a head of a user. The method comprises providing a helmet having a first side and a second side, providing a facemask, forming a first aperture in the first side of the helmet, forming a second aperture in the second side of the helmet, providing a first adjustable strap having a first portion and a second portion, securing the first portion of the first adjustable strap to the first aperture by a first anchor, securing the second portion of the first adjustable strap to the facemask, providing a second adjustable strap having a first portion and a second portion, securing the first portion of the second adjustable strap to the second aperture by a second anchor, securing the second portion of the second adjustable strap to the facemask, releasably connecting the first portion to the second portion of the first adjustable strap together with a first buckle, releasably connecting the first portion and the second portion of the second adjustable strap together with a second buckle, providing a facemask adjustment strap having a first end and a second end, securing both the first end and the second end to the facemask, adjustably extending the adjustment strap about the head of the user, and manipulating the adjustment strap against the head of the user for a snug fit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective views illustrating a tactical helmet system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a facemask detached from a helmet;

FIG. 2 is an elevational front view illustrating the facemask of the tactical helmet system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the facemask of the tactical helmet system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the tactical helmet system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the facemask releasably secured to the helmet; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the helmet of the tactical helmet system, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the present invention is a tactical helmet system, indicated generally at 10, presenting airsoft competitors with a complete, form-fitting, easily adjustable headgear package. The tactical helmet system 10 of the present invention is a tactical, military-inspired Kevlar® helmet 12 and separate, metal mesh-style facemask 14 designed to fasten firmly and comfortably together through a unique system of adjustable buckles and straps. The tactical helmet system 10 more effectively links and joins already existing, pre-manufactured components into a single, better-fitting and more efficient set of integrated protective headgear for the rough-and-tumble of the airsoft battlefield. The fastening system of the tactical helmet system 10 of the present invention is needed because at present, the helmets 12 used in airsoft fasten only by a chin-strap 16; and the facemasks 14 fasten separately by straps that go around the back of the neck. Being two separate, unlinked components, the helmet 12 and the facemask 14 often interfere with one another, and make for an uncomfortable, inefficient combination. The tactical helmet system 10 of the present invention consists of a series of strategically positioned tensioning straps 18, fabricated in nylon webbing, and a system of side-release or squeeze-release nylon buckles 20 designed to join the helmet 12 and the facemask 14 into a unit. The helmet 12 is modified by a pair of ¼-inch holes drilled in the mid-parietal section on either side of the helmet 12, and these holes accommodate a pair of countersunk screws, ½″-20×¾″, that serve as anchors for the interior fastening of two adjustable tensioning straps 18 and two female, receiving buckles 20. The straps 18 and the buckles 20 are anchored to the interior of the helmet 12, and their anchorage is covered by the helmet's internal cushioning liner. The strap 18 and the buckle 20 descend from the interior of the helmet 12 on either side, and when not in use to secure the lower facemask 14, can be pulled upward on the outside of the helmets 12 and stowed within an elastic loop. (The loop itself is finished with VELCRO® and can be laid flat when not in use.) The lower facemask 14, in the central upper regions which cover the upper cheeks and ears, is fitted with a pair of snap-closure straps and a metal bracket which accommodates the descending tensioning strap from the helmet 12, as well as a pair of male side-release buckles 20 that mate with the female buckles 20 of the helmet 12. The straps 18 and the buckles 20 secure the facemask 14 firmly, adjustably and comfortably to the helmet 12. Additionally, the facemask 14 is fitted with an additional set of male side-release buckles at the lower rear on either side; and an adjustable, elastic, VELCRO®-fastening strap 22 with a female buckle on either end secures the rear of the lower facemask 14, passing around the back of the wearer's neck. Further, the tag ends of the helmet-facemask tensioning straps are finished with mating VELCRO® patches, and these crisscross behind the wearer's neck to fasten in a secure, comfortable, and unobstructive manner. The outfit also includes a second VELCRO®-adjustable, elastic strap fitted with female side-release buckles at either end; and this strap may be used in the absence of the helmet 12 to secure the facemask 14, the strap connecting with the male buckles of the upper facemask 14 and passing over the wearer's head. The manner of use of the tactical helmet system 10 of the present invention will now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the manner of use of the tactical helmet system 10 described herein is merely one method of use and other methods of use of the tactical helmet system 10 are within the scope of the present invention.

The tactical helmet system 10 of the present invention has four pairs of clips 20 and four pairs of adjustment straps 18. With the helmet 12 on, the two clips 20 protrude one on each side of the helmet 12; the two male ends of the upper portion of the lower facemask 14 are connected to the adjustment system. The adjustment of the lower facemask 14 to the helmet 12 is done by pulling down on both adjustment straps 18 one on each side of the helmet 12 until the desired fit is attained. The lower facemask rear elastic and Velcro strap 22 is then connected and adjusted so the facemask 14 fits firm, yet comfortable against the user's face.

The tactical helmet system 10 of the present invention unifies the separate components of the headgear required for safety in the sport of airsoft. In the absence of such a system, the helmet 12 and facemask 14, i.e., being fastened separately to the wearer, and not to each other, become bulky impediments, and interfere with one another rather than working smoothly and seamlessly together. The adjustable fasteners correct this deficiency, and mold the helmet 12 and facemask 14 into a protective unit that the combatant will not have to fuss with or think about in the heat of battle.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tactical helmet system for covering at least a portion of a head of a user, the tactical helmet system comprising: a helmet having a first side and a second side; a facemask releasably secured to the helmet; and an adjustment strap having a first end and a second end, both the first end and the second end secured to the facemask; wherein the adjustment strap is extendable about the head of the user and adjustable for a snug fit against the head of the user.
 2. The tactical helmet system of claim 1 and further comprising: a first adjustable strap positioned on the first side of the helmet and secured between the helmet and the facemask; and a second adjustable strap positioned on the second side of the helmet and secured between the helmet and the facemask.
 3. The tactical helmet system of claim 2 wherein the first adjustable strap has a first portion secured to the first side of the helmet and a second portion secured to the facemask, and further wherein the first portion is releasably secured to the second portion with a buckle.
 4. The tactical helmet system of claim 2 wherein the second adjustable strap has a first portion secured to the second side of the helmet and a second portion secured to the facemask, and further wherein the first portion is releasably secured to the second portion with a buckle.
 5. The tactical helmet system of claim 2 wherein the first adjustable strap has a first portion secured to the first side of the helmet and a second portion secured to the facemask, and further wherein the first portion is releasably secured to the second portion with a buckle, and wherein the second adjustable strap has a first portion secured to the second side of the helmet and a second portion secured to the facemask, and further wherein the first portion is releasably secured to the second portion with a buckle.
 6. The tactical helmet system of claim 2 wherein the first adjustable strap and the second adjustable strap is constructed from a nylon webbing.
 7. The tactical helmet system of claim 2 and further comprising: a first aperture formed in the first side of the helmet, the first adjustable strap secured to the first aperture by a first anchor; and a second aperture formed in the second side of the helmet, the second adjustable strap secured to the second aperture by a second anchor.
 8. The tactical helmet system of claim 1 where in the adjustment strap has a first adjustment strap portion and a second adjustment strap portion, the first adjustment strap portion releasably securable to the second adjustment strap portion by a hook and loop fastening system.
 9. The tactical helmet system of claim 8 wherein the adjustment strap is constructed of an elastic material.
 10. The tactical helmet system of claim 1 and further comprising: an elastic adjustment strap secured to the facemask having with female side-release buckles at either end; wherein the elastic adjustment strap connects to the facemask male buckles and passes over the user's head.
 11. A tactical helmet system for covering at least a portion of a head of a user, the tactical helmet system comprising: a helmet having a first side and a second side; a facemask; a first aperture formed in the first side of the helmet; a second aperture formed in the second side of the helmet; a first adjustable strap having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion secured to the first aperture by a first anchor, the second portion secured to the facemask; a second adjustable strap having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion secured to the second aperture by a second anchor, the second portion secured to the facemask; a first buckle releasably connecting the first portion and the second portion of the first adjustable strap together; a second buckle releasably connecting the first portion and the second portion of the second adjustable strap together; and a facemask adjustment strap having a first end and a second end, both the first end and the second end secured to the facemask; wherein the adjustment strap is adjustably extendable about the head of the user and manipulatable against the head of the user for a snug fit.
 12. The tactical helmet system of claim 11 wherein the first adjustable strap and the second adjustable strap is constructed from a nylon webbing.
 13. The tactical helmet system of claim 11 wherein the adjustment strap has a first adjustment strap portion and a second adjustment strap portion, the first adjustment strap portion releasably securable to the second adjustment strap portion by a hook and loop fastening system.
 14. The tactical helmet system of claim 11 and further comprising: an elastic adjustment strap secured to the facemask having with female side-release buckles at either end; wherein the elastic adjustment strap connects to the facemask male buckles and passes over the user's head.
 15. A method for covering at least a portion of a head of a user, the method comprising: providing a helmet having a first side and a second side; providing a facemask; forming a first aperture in the first side of the helmet; forming a second aperture in the second side of the helmet; providing a first adjustable strap having a first portion and a second portion; securing the first portion of the first adjustable strap to the first aperture by a first anchor; securing the second portion of the first adjustable strap to the facemask; providing a second adjustable strap having a first portion and a second portion; securing the first portion of the second adjustable strap to the second aperture by a second anchor; securing the second portion of the second adjustable strap to the facemask; releasably connecting the first portion to the second portion of the first adjustable strap together with a first buckle; releasably connecting the first portion and the second portion of the second adjustable strap together with a second buckle; providing a facemask adjustment strap having a first end and a second end; securing both the first end and the second end to the facemask; adjustably extending the adjustment strap about the head of the user; and manipulating the adjustment strap against the head of the user for a snug fit.
 16. The method of claim 15 and further comprising: constructing the first adjustable strap and the second adjustable strap from a nylon webbing.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the adjustment strap has a first adjustment strap portion and a second adjustment strap portion, and further comprising: releasably securing the first adjustment strap portion to the second adjustment strap portion by a hook and loop fastening system.
 18. The method of claim 15 and further comprising: securing an elastic adjustment strap to the facemask having with female side-release buckles at either end; and connecting the elastic adjustment strap to the facemask with male buckles and passes over the user's head. 